This article originally
appeared in the April issue of AGENTatHOME magazine. Subscribe here to receive your free copy each month.
Founded in 2002, AmaWaterways continues to flourish by
offering a top-notch product, ground breaking new itineraries and close ties to
travel advisors.
This year, the company is launching an entirely new
destination for river cruising – the Magdalena River in Colombia – as it
forecasts another record year for revenue.
Rudi Schreiner, co founder and president of AmaWaterways,
said the company is “very optimistic that 2024 will set a new record for
revenue. It is exciting to see this pattern of strong growth in demand, as our
2024 sales are almost 40 percent ahead when compared with 2023 results at the
same time last year.”
RECORD-BREAKING DEMAND
“With the early reservations for groups, charters and part
charters, 2025 is also shaping up to be an excellent year, reflecting a 20
percent increase in capacity on the Rhine, Danube and Douro rivers in Europe;
two new ships on the Magdalena River in Colombia and an additional ship on the
Nile,” Schreiner noted.
“We do not expect this growth to slow down at all in the
future.
River cruising is the most efficient and stress-free way to
enjoy historic cities, off the-beaten-path villages and scenic landscapes,” he
said. “It allows guests to double their leisure time, as they can visit
multiple destinations without the need for constant packing and unpacking, and
with the ships’ ability to dock right in the heart of cities, it is so easy for
guests to explore on foot or walk right off the ship into the middle of
cultural sites.”
RIVER CRUISING IN COLOMBIA
The newest destination in river cruising, Colombia, is
resonating with travel and their clients, according to Kristin Karst,
co-founder and executive vice president of AmaWaterways.
“We are thrilled about the launch of our new river cruise
destination in Colombia, and the response from travel advisors and guests has
been absolutely amazing,” she said. “AmaWaterways is making history as the
first major river cruise line to navigate the Magdalena River, introducing two
remarkable ships in 2025 – AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia.
“Our two curated seven night itineraries, sailing between
Cartagena and Barranquilla, offer travelers the exclusive opportunity to
explore the only river in the Caribbean region, uncovering UNESCO-recognized
sites and rich cultural and culinary traditions.”
The 60-passenger AmaMagdalena, which is scheduled to start
sailing in January 2025, has 237-square foot twin-balcony staterooms with both
a French balcony and an outside balcony. Four suites in two categories measure
306 and 516 square feet.
A rendering of the first AmaWaterways ship to sail on Colombia's Magdalena River. (Photo Credit: AmaWaterways Media)
The ship will have a heated pool, a fitness room, a main
restaurant serving Latin American cuisine and Western favorites, as well as an
al fresco specialty dining experience. AmaMelodia will enter service in June
2025.
“The future of river cruising on the Magdalena River holds
immense potential,” Schreiner said. “We wanted our Colombian river cruise
experience to be very intimate and in touch with nature, so we have kept our
two ships smaller in size compared to ships in Europe. AmaMelodia, sister ship
to the 60-passenger AmaMagdalena, will welcome 64 guests with spacious twin
balcony staterooms spanning 237 square feet,” he added.
“A sun deck pool, fitness room, nail salon and a new al
fresco dining experience are complemented by the rich Colombian-inspired décor,
festive spirit and warm service that AmaWaterways is known for. We look forward
to offering our guests exclusive experiences like a Carnaval Celebration in
Barranquilla, a Jazz Street Performance in Mompox and a Cumbia Performance in
El Banco.”
AmaWaterways
also added a second ship on the Nile River in Egypt – the 82-passenger AmaLilia
– to operate 11-night itineraries with an Egyptologist on board and a
three-night pre-cruise stay in Cairo.
SALES AND MARKETING ASSISTANCE
While maintaining extremely close ties with the retail
community, AmaWaterways offers assistance with digital marketing toolkits, a
quick payment process on the Travel Advisor Portal and a new guest facing
online booking engine.
“Since starting AmaWaterways almost 22 years ago, we have
always prided ourselves on being more than just a supplier to travel advisors,”
Karst said. “We really are their business partners, listening and adapting our
marketing tools to meet their changing needs and ensuring we provide the most
efficient, knowledgeable, and friendly reservations support possible.
“Our sales team headed by Alex Pinelo, our reservations team
led by Bronwyn McKindley and our marketing team under the leadership of Michal
Maguire are all dedicated to helping our travel partners succeed in today’s
fast-paced environment.
“Our Travel Agent Portal has more than 30 marketing toolkits
created with valuable social media content to help travel advisors appeal to
new river cruisers and engage with returning clients while our business
development managers, national account directors, group department and sales
support teams are the best resources to help grow your business with
AmaWaterways.
“We recently enhanced the travel advisors’ co-branded
websites to include a convenient guest-facing online booking engine. The
booking engine facilitates travelers’ and travel advisors’ busy lives and
ensures travel advisors can earn commission 24/7.”
WINTER CRUISING IN EUROPE
A couple sailing the Danube with AmaWaterways (Photo Credit: AmaWaterways)
AmaWaterways began its 2024 Europe river cruise season in
February this year for the first time in response to increased demand for
offseason vacations.
“This year was our first year with only a five-week break in
cruising between the time our last ship completed its Rhine cruise on Jan. 4
and when we started cruising on the Rhine and Danube rivers on Feb. 11,” said
AmaWaterways President and Co Founder Rudi Schreiner.
“The interest in winter cruising is growing, and we will add
another ship to operate early in 2025. This experience appeals to travelers who
like to feel more like a local than a tourist within the destination.
“It is also attractive to cultural enthusiasts who
appreciate the quieter atmosphere, allowing for a deeper exploration of
historical sites and museums. Off-season cruising is also a way for repeat
river cruisers who have explored popular destinations during peak seasons to
rediscover familiar places in a completely new light.”
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